We love planning mini adventures with our dogs.
Temecula, CA, came up in our weekend plans because we love finding great coffee, treating ourselves to pastries, and supporting local coffee shops. We had heard that Old Town Temecula had a great breakfast spot that served delicious coffee and pastries, so one Saturday morning, we headed there with KB and Kenzo.
With no traffic, it only took us about an hour to get there — making it a perfect short car ride and dog-friendly day trip from home.
Below, I’m sharing what we did in just 1½ hours. It was a short visit, but definitely Golden Approved by KB and Kenzo.
Why Old Town Temecula Is a Fun Dog-Friendly Stop
Did you know that Old Town Temecula has roots tied to the late 1800s and the arrival of the California Southern Railroad, which helped shape Temecula as a travel and commerce stop?
Today, Old Town Temecula still has that historic Western-style charm, with artisan shops, foodie eateries, and, of course, wine and olive oil tasting rooms.
We are familiar with Old Town Temecula because we took KB here when he was a young pup and ate at one of the dog-friendly restaurants. We have always loved the Old West charm with a modern touch. It’s enjoyable to walk around, visit the historic storefronts, and explore with dogs since many outdoor patios and some shops are dog-friendly.
Important Dog-Friendly Tips: Taking Your Dog to Old Town Temecula
One thing dog parents should know: Temecula’s weather can get very hot.
Temecula sits inland — away from the coastal breeze — and the temperature can climb quickly, especially during the summer months and even some warmer spring days.
If you’re visiting Old Town Temecula with dogs, checking the weather matters a lot. We went early in the morning, when it was still a bit cooler, which made our visit more comfortable. It also allowed us to walk at a relaxed pace and avoid some of the crowds.
It’s also important to bring water, check the pavement regularly, and keep your visit short when the temperature starts rising.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Old Town Temecula When You Only Have 1½ Hours
1. Dog-Friendly Coffee at Le Coffee
Our first stop was Le Coffee, where we enjoyed coffee and delicious pastries while KB and Kenzo relaxed on the outdoor patio.
For dog parents, a covered outdoor patio is always a big plus — especially when traveling with two Golden Retrievers.
2. Walk Around Sam Hicks Monument Park
Sam Hicks Monument Park is close to Le Coffee and offers a charming little green space near Old Town Temecula.
It’s a nice option for a quick dog potty break before more strolling and exploring. If you have a little extra time, it can also be a good spot for a short walk or a quick break with your dog before the day gets too warm.
3. Explore the Old Town Buildings and Shops
After coffee, we walked around Old Town and stopped by the famous Old Town Antique Faire building, one of the well-known antique shopping spots in Old Town Temecula.
Of course, I had to take a photo of my Golden Retrievers under the main entrance and sign. The building is filled with shops, so we also did a little browsing and supported some local businesses.
4. Dog-Friendly Stop: Temecula Olive Oil Company
One of our favorite stops was Temecula Olive Oil Company.
They were very dog-friendly, and KB and Kenzo were greeted with lots of pets — which, of course, they fully approved.
The Story Behind Temecula Olive Oil Company
Tucked right in the heart of Old Town Temecula, Temecula Olive Oil Company has been a family-owned labor of love since 2001.
A local family started with a simple idea — to make exceptional California olive oil the right way. Using traditional cold-pressing techniques and natural farming methods that help keep the land healthy, they’ve spent over two decades perfecting their craft.
The result is a collection of award-winning olive oils and balsamic vinegars that keep people coming back — and trust me, once you taste them, you’ll understand why.
Say Yes to Olive Oil Tasting
While we enjoyed an olive oil tasting, KB and Kenzo waited patiently.
They even got a tiny taste of plain olive oil, and yes, it was Golden Approved!
Of course, we purchased some olive oils and paired vinegars to take home and enjoy.
Our 1½-Hour Dog-Friendly Old Town Temecula Itinerary
Here’s how we spent our short dog-friendly visit to Old Town Temecula with KB and Kenzo:
9:30 AM — We arrived in Old Town Temecula
We arrived early, before the weather got too warm and before the area became busier.
9:35 AM — We stopped for coffee and pastries at Le Coffee
We enjoyed a relaxing coffee stop at their dog-friendly outdoor patio while KB and Kenzo relaxed with us.
9:50 AM — We took a quick dog potty break at Sam Hicks Monument Park
Since it was close to Le Coffee, this was a helpful nearby green space before we continued walking around Old Town.
10:00 AM — We walked around Old Town Temecula
We strolled past the historic buildings, took photos, and did a little local shopping.
10:20 AM — We visited Temecula Olive Oil Company
We stopped in for an olive oil tasting experience, and they allow dogs.
11:00 AM — We headed home before it got too hot
Since the weather was warming up, we decided it was best to end our mini adventure while KB and Kenzo were still comfortable and happy.
This short visit worked well for us because it gave KB and Kenzo a chance to enjoy a fun outing without overdoing it.
Dog Friendly Old Town Temecula : Our Short and Sweet Golden Retriever Adventure
Our visit to Old Town Temecula was short, but it was such a fun mini dog-friendly adventure with KB and Kenzo.
We didn’t get to explore everything because the weather turned hot, but that’s part of exploring and traveling with dogs — their comfort and safety always come first.
The good news? Old Town Temecula has so much more to offer, from historic streets and shops to dog-friendly patios, tasting rooms, and nearby places to explore. This mini adventure was just a quick stop, and we’ll definitely be back when the weather is cooler.
For fellow dog parents, Old Town Temecula is a great place to enjoy a short, fun, and Golden-approved adventure — especially if you plan ahead and go early.